Porsche 918 Spyder prototype spotted in spy pictures

A road-legal prototype of Porsche’s forthcoming hybrid, the 918 Spyder, has been spotted testing near Porsche’s R&D Weissach R&D facility.

The 918 Spyder prototype is finished in a paint finish designed to disguise elements of its design.

The pictures, scooped by Autocar.co.uk, show the petrol-electric supercar being put through its paces minus the shiny silver paintwork seen on the concept version. Instead, this car is finished in a black and white paintjob that ever-so-slightly disguises minor design detail.

It’s possible to identify differences between this and the original show car, though. Its cabin seems longer than before, although that might be a consequence of a more upright windscreen. The rear overhang is longer, too, perhaps as a result of crash testing requirements, and it has a less intricately-designed front end.

The car will likely retain the same propulsion gubbins that made the concept such an exciting proposition. Power will come from a petrol-electric system that includes a 4.8-litre V8 engine hooked up to a pair of electric motors — one driving the front wheels and the other driving those at the rear.

Together, they generate a staggering 762bhp, which is enough to provide a 0-62mph performance of 2.8 seconds. When not being pushed hard, the 918 Spyder will deliver combined fuel economy of 94.2mpg and CO2 emissions of just 70g/km, which is jolly impressive.

Only 918 918 Spiders will be built, with the first examples being unveiled on 18th September – or 9/18. Check out the pictures below and let us know what you think in the comments or on Facebook.

Images:

The road-going prototype appears to have a few minor changes compared to the concept car.The car’s exhausts are mounted in a higher than normal position.The 918 Spyder is said to be capable of 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds, yet is more economical than a Toyota Prius.

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